In a week you’ve dreamed of…don’t listen to those who can’t dream!

By John Kincade

This isn’t the week for the nay sayers, choose to ignore them!

They are out there! There is a way to get noticed, to attract the clicks and stir the pot! It’s to definitively claim that something that we know CAN happen in sports WILL happen. When happiness is rampant, the predators see their opportunity. If I go contrary, everyone will notice me! If I am wrong, sure I’ll take some short term abuse but I can always ride out the storm till my next attention grabbing headline tweet. It’s the strategy of the non conversationalist. I can make the outrageous statement, but don’t ask me to go into too much depth. It’s the playbook of the attention grabber and my industry is full of them.

The Eagles come off of a huge win in Arizona to go to (5-0). It’s been 18 seasons since we have seen such lofty heights. It’s also a mark that leaves them atop the NFC East, the NFC and the NFL. Alls good right? Wrong. Insert Seth Joyner on his post game that airs on the internet. I’ve checked it out, it’s usually entertaining stuff. The wet blanket of “we need a viral clip so people know we are here” came fast and furious. He proclaimed and I’m paraphrasing that “the Cowboys are going to come in and kick the Eagles asses”. Side story, the Eagles are opening as 5.5 point favorites over Dallas on Sunday Night Football at home.

The Phillies are in the NLDS for the first time in 11 seasons! Joyous! That’s until the attention grabbers start with the “The Braves are just going to crush them” takes. It’s logical to think the Braves, who are the World Champions, might be too much to handle. It’s another to believe the Phillies are completely outclassed and have no chance. Just last year the Braves were an 88 win team and beat 3 teams better than them to force a parade. You know why? It happens. It’s OK to logically surmise that the Phillies are huge u dear dogs, but it’s another yo claim they have no shot.

Beware the attention whores. This is their week! They thrive on finding that comment or insight that is going to stir the pot and create their 15 minutes. Before it gets rolling, let’s summarize.

The Phillies ARE heavy favorites! They deserve to be. They also have played the Braves roughly even over the last 3 seasons. They have every reason to believe this will be a battle. If they win one of the first 2 in Atlanta this weekend at Citizens Bank will be raucous.

The Eagles are (5-0) for a reason. There is also a reason that nobody else is. They are resilient and relentless. Are they perfect? Far from it. Should they be a big favorite? Sure, they’ve earned it. Do t let anyone tell you how awful they are and how great Dallas is.

They are energy vampires. Don’t feed them. Enjoy what should be the best October week in Philly in over a decade. Soak it in, believe deeply. Feel the energy. Smile, buy a tee shirt, plan the viewing party! There is nothing wrong with reasonable belief. Enjoy this amazing week everybody! We will ride along with you!